After he was arrested for the hold-up, correctional officers at the Old Colony facility where he was being held uncovered a plot to intimidate a witness to the robbery. When Kearney realized his plan was discovered, he made more threats, this time against Leone and police officers involved in the prosecution of his case.

Judge Joseph M. Walker III sentenced Kearney to nine to 10 years in prison, followed by three years probation with conditions.

The plot to prevent a witness from testifying was revealed in two letters Kearney sent in February this year requesting someone pay off a witness to the crime.

Everett Police, in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office and Old Colony Correctional Officials, immediately began an investigation, authorities said. After a third letter requesting assistance to pay off the witness was discovered, Kearney learned on that law enforcement had intercepted his letters and that potential additional charges were forthcoming, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office.

According to the DA, Kearney allegedly made a phone call from jail that was also recorded:

"I'm gonna kill a cop, I'm gonna kill one of these cops here, as many as I can possibly get my hands on,' he said. 'They're gonna have to put a Hannibal Lecter mask on me to get me there [to court], 'cause I'm gonna kill the [expletive] DA, I'm gonna [expletive] execute the [expletive].' Kerney also is alleged to have stated, '... How's that for additional charges, you punk [expletive]."

In a statement, Leone condemned the crime.

"“This office takes such deliberate tampering with the pursuit of justice and disrespect for the criminal justice system and those who engage in the protection and service of our citizens, very seriously," Leone said. "We will charge and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who intentionally interfere with our prosecution of a case.”